Best Sunscreen For Melasma

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It s imperative for you to choose the best sunscreen for melasma to prevent your melasma from darkening. Melasma is a condition caused by hormone imbalances so it can be triggered by birth control pills, pregnancy, and hormone therapy. In addition, sun exposure can also cause melasma because UV rays can affect the melanocytes. It may be difficult to control hormone imbalances but it is easy to control the amount of UV rays that reaches your skin with the use of a good sunscreen.

The Best Sunblock For Melasma: Choose Physical (Mineral) Sunscreens Instead Of Chemical Sunscreens

The best sunblock for melasma utilizes only mineral or physical UV filters which are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. You should not use sunscreens that contain any other UV filters because they are chemical UV filters. Examples of chemical filters include:

Avobenzone

Oxybenzone

Homosalate

Octinoxate

Octisalate

Octocrylene

Mexoryl SX

Mexoryl XL

The reason you should only use physical sunscreens for melasma is that there are individuals who have noticed the worsening of their melasma after using chemical sunscreens. It is said the possible reason for this is that chemical filters generate heat in the skin which could trigger melanin production.

Chemical filters work by absorbing UV radiation, and some of them would slowly break down and release heat. This is why your skin feels warmer after wearing chemical sunscreens. On the other hand, physical filters are inert and form a protective UV shield on the skin which reflects UV rays so they do not generate heat.

Although it is not yet proven that chemical sunscreens can make melasma worse, it is best to be safe than sorry so you should only choose physical sunscreens for melasma.

Best SPF For Melasma

Experts recommend an SPF of at least 30. However, there is no sunscreen or sunblock that provides 100% protection against the UV rays so you should avoid getting exposed to the direct sun a lot even with sunscreen on. If you are spending long hours under the sun, then you should wear sunglasses, a hat, and use an umbrella to prevent melasma on your face from getting darker.

SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 is a tinted liquid sunscreen which is easy to apply due to its runny texture. Because of the universal tint, this sunscreen does not leave any white cast on the skin. It leaves a semi-matte finish which is great if you do not want a sunscreen that is too dry or too oily. Moreover, this sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.

SkinCeuticals products are very high in quality and are very dependable. Aside from the mineral filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect against UV rays, SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 also contains a plankton extract known as artemia salina to increase your skin’s resistance against UV and heat-induced stress.

Exuviance Sheer Daily Protector SPF50 PA++++ has a universal tint so there isno white cast. The sunscreen feels like a moisturizer so it is comfortable on the skin. This sunscreen contains multi-antioxidants, vitamin E and lactobionic acid which strengthen the skin’s natural defense, and prevent free radicals from damaging the skin.

Additionally, the PHA/Bionic complex prevents the breakdown of collagen so your skin stays firm and youthful. This physical sunblock also contains concentrated Green Tea Extract which will decrease cellular breakdown and protect cellular DNA. This Exuviance sunscreen also does not contain parabens, fragrance, and oil. This is a non-waterproof sunscreen so it is great for daily usage as it will not be difficult to remove this sunscreen at the end of the day.

HydroPeptide Solar Defense Tinted SPF 30 claims to have a universal tintwhich automatically adjusts to your skin tone. The tint really does not add any color to your skin. This sunscreen blends beautifully without any streaking and sinks into the skin without any white cast. Therefore, you can easily apply this sunscreen without looking at the mirror. The texture is like lotion which leaves your skin soft, glowing and moisturized but not too oily.

Moreover, this sunblock contains niacin to calm redness and galangal root to absorb excess shine. As it is not water-resistant, it can be removed without harsh cleansing. This product also works great under makeup as it does not pill, smear under makeup, or settles into pores and wrinkles. Hence, I highly recommend HydroPeptide Solar Defense Tinted SPF 30 for daily usage as it is very wearable. If you are looking for the most cosmetically elegant mineral sunscreen for daily usage to use with or without makeup, this is the perfect choice.

This sunscreen is very lightweight and not sticky so you will forget you are wearing sunscreen when you use this one. The white cast is very minimal unlike many other non-tinted physical sunscreens.

Avene Mineral Ultra-Light Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion Face SPF 50+ is hydrating without leaving your face oily so your skin will feel soft and protected. It does not contain parabens, fragrance, oil, and non-volatile alcohol. In addition, the sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and contains vitamin E as an antioxidant.

Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen SPF 50 Tinted Face Mineral Lotion is a mineral sunscreen which is suitable for those with oilier skin. This is because this mineral sunscreen leaves a non-oily, matte finish on the skin. It has a light tint so there is no white cast. The tint goes on sheer on the skin, and the tint does not seem to add any color to the skin.

This physical sunscreen is Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, PABA Free, Petrolatum Free, SLS (Sulfate) Free, Dye Free and Oil Free. Besides that, it is not tested on animals. It is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.